In 2005, Carol and Joel Tomlin purchased what is now the oldest commercial building still standing in Historic Franklin. And for 20 years, Landmark Booksellers has been like a love letter to the community. The Tomlins put their stamp on the building that is rooted in Tennessee history with over 35,000 new, old, and hard-to-find rare and classic books, collectible signed first editions, important new releases, and of course, their own brand of Southern hospitality and warmth. Franklin Lifestyle got to chat with the Tomlins just ahead of the 20th anniversary party later this month.
What made you want to open and run a bookstore 20 years ago?
Carol: I wanted Joel and I to do something together and I loved to read.
Joel: When Carol and I were married 31 years ago, we said when our youngest child graduated from high school we wanted to find a new adventure we could enjoy doing together. Being an avid book collector, I happened into an antiquarian bookshop in Nashville that I had frequented for 15 years, Dad's Old Bookstore. Ed Penny, the owner informed me he was about to retire and his store was for sale. Carol and I jumped at the opportunity, purchased his inventory and brought it to Franklin.
What prompted you to choose the downtown Franklin location back then?
Carol: We both had previously lived in Franklin and believed it to be a charming and quaint place for a bookstore.
Joel: My ancestors settled in the Peytonsville area around 1802. Williamson County history and historic buildings have been a passion of mine for most of my life. I have always admired our building since the first time I enjoyed fried chicken and chocolate pie there in 1975 when it was home to Dotson's. Thankfully, it came available when we started to look for a location and we were able to purchase it.
Would you have anticipated your success and that you would be doing this for 20 years?
Carol: I was somewhat apprehensive since Amazon was on the rise and bookstores were closing as a result. I don't think I thought about how long we would be doing it but was so looking forward to being able to do something together.
Joel: As in any great adventure you attempt, you are following a vision bolstered by a passion, full of optimism and energy with great expectations. I think I assumed it would be successful and that we would be doing it forever.
Do you have one favorite moment that stands out from the last 20 years?
Carol: My first story hour!
Joel: There are so many, it would be hard to say. Our shop helped "give birth," so to speak, to the Franklin Civil War Roundtable, The Churchill Society of Tennessee, Poetry Group, Southern Authors Group, Southern Music Group, Shortstory Writers Group, hundreds of author book events and signings. Conversations with visitors from practically every country in the world. All favorite moments for sure. However, I would have to say Karen Kingsbury's friendship, her 2012 book, The Bridge and 2015 Hallmark movie of the same title, based on our shop, and her 2020 assistance through a special online exclusive book release offer, which saved our bookshop during the pandemic were the most standout moments. We call Karen our "Guardian Angel" as she, her family, and her devoted fans, who visit us literally every day, have blessed us in so many ways.
What are you most proud of regarding the store?
Carol: Our children's room. Can you tell I was a teacher, mother and grandmother?
Joel: Our building, our richly curated selection of books, our devoted, knowledgeable and friendly staff.
Tell me a little bit about the anniversary celebration you have planned.
Carol: It will be a party! Live music, delicious food and drink, great stories, good friends and family. You do not want to miss it!!
Joel: Katie Shands has written a wonderful book regarding the history of our 200+-year-old building and 20-year-old bookshop. These books will be available free to all who attend as well as a storewide book sale and author signing.
How many books do you guys each read per month?
Carol: Four, or about one per week
Joel: Ditto
What's next for the Tomlins?
Carol: Looking forward to spending time with grandchildren and traveling more.
Joel: We have seven children and 14 grandchildren, and spending time with them is so important at this point in our lives. They keep us busy and on our toes so we are not at the store 12 hours a day, seven days a week as we once were. But we still enjoy going by most days and seeing devoted staff, friends and customers. Check back with me 20 years from now to see if anything has changed!
LandmarkBooksellers.com
"I have always admired our building since the first time I enjoyed fried chicken and chocolate pie there in 1975 when it was home to Dotson's." -- Joel Tomlinson